The Champ & Contender Podcast

Welcome back to The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosted by Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore 🎙️ In this laugh-out-loud episode, the boys are joined by close friend Tom Goldsmith, calling in all the way from New Zealand. The trio dive into a wide mix of topics including football debates, music nostalgia, public quizzes, and some absolutely hilarious real-life stories.

⚽ Key Highlights Include: Debating the Best Ever Manchester City Starting XI A live Public Pub Quiz with audience questions School-day throwbacks and embarrassing public moments Start, Sell, Bench football edition Musical Mount Rushmore & songs that defined life before vs after parenthood Olympic cities quiz & ultimate men’s 100m sprint lineup Doppelganger stories, shouting at the TV & weird public behaviour

Deep talk on athletics improvement and future podcast goals Whether you’re into football podcasts, sports debates, music nostalgia, or just enjoy genuine banter between friends, this episode has something for you.

👇 Drop a comment with your Manchester City XI or your pub quiz answers 👍 Like & subscribe for weekly podcast clips and full episodes

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast

00:12 Introducing Tom Goldsmith

01:35 Public Pub Quiz Questions

02:18 Best Ever Manchester City Starting XI

06:58 Posters on Your Wall Growing Up

09:41 Growing Social Media as a Photographer

11:36 Start, Sell, Bench – Football Edition

12:54 Musical Mount Rushmore

19:50 Songs Before vs After Parenthood

24:47 Strangest Places We’ve Ever Been

29:22 Podcast Goals & Dream Guests

33:12 The Hilarious Chicken Advert Story

33:32 Olympic Cities Quiz Challenge

36:41 Weirdest Public Moments

39:21 Designing for the Blind

43:14 Ultimate Men’s 100m Sprint Line-Up

46:09 Shouting at the TV

50:14 Doppelganger Stories

54:57 Most Likely to End Up in Prison

01:02:30 Improving Athletics

01:06:10 Heartfelt Farewell

In this episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with rising professional boxer Maisey Rose for an honest and inspiring deep dive into her journey.

Maisey opens up about stepping into the boxing gym at just seven years old, the surreal month where she was scouted by Crystal Palace for football and Team England Boxing, and the pivotal moment she chose the ring over the pitch. She reflects on her time training at iconic clubs like Repton, the challenges of balancing school, training, and competition, and the sacrifices behind life as a young athlete.

The conversation also explores her evolution from the amateur ranks into the professional scene under Matchroom, her recent fights, and how she handles pressure, setbacks, and the mental side of competing at the highest level. Maisey shares powerful insight into staying resilient, managing losses, and why mental health and strong support systems matter more than ever.

To wrap things up, the trio dive into some fun boxing games, weigh in on dream matchups, and share valuable advice for young female fighters chasing their own dreams. Tune in for an inspiring look at Maisey’s journey, her training mindset, and what’s coming next in her promising career.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:23 – Introducing Maisey Rose Ney

01:13 – Maisey’s Journey Into Boxing

03:12 – Training & Challenges in Boxing

06:08 – Transitioning from Amateur to Professional

09:01 – Life as a Professional Boxer

17:59 – Upcoming Fights & Rivalries

24:57 – Dream Venues & the Rise of Female Boxing

28:44 – Fun & Games: Fantasy Matchups

31:54 – Sky Nicholson vs. Shana Whitwell: Breakdown

32:08 – Comparing Fighters: Sky Nicholson vs. Ramla Ali

32:31 – Meatball Molly: A Fighter’s Journey

33:30 – UFC Fighters Entering Boxing

38:44 – How Personal Struggles Affect Performance

42:50 – Mental Health & Support Systems

47:33 – The State of Female Boxing Worldwide

58:06 – Advice for Young Female Boxers

01:00:26 – Final Thoughts & Farewell

Kick back in the pub with hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore as they launch The Champion Contender Podcast. In this explosive debut episode, the lads sit down with Silky, the mind behind ska/reggae giants Death of Guitar Pop — and nothing is off limits. Silky dives deep into: 🎵 How the iconic DOCP name was born 🎤 His evolution through ska, reggae & the UK indie scene 💡 The REAL blueprint for independent artist success 📈 The DIY marketing strategies that actually move numbers 🔥 Why every creative needs to operate like an entrepreneur in 2025 Expect raw honesty, industry gems, laughs, and hard-earned truths every musician should hear.

⏱️ Timestamps (Refined & Professional)

00:00 – Episode intro

00:12 – Meet the hosts + introducing Silky

01:15 – Silky’s early music life

11:21 – The Essex music scene explained

26:13 – Independent music & real marketing strategies

45:19 – Building success without a record label

51:08 – Using social media the RIGHT way

55:06 – The truth about music in 2025

57:14 – Shot Stopper pub challenge

01:03:37 – Silky’s plans & upcoming events

01:06:58 – Final reflections & advice 01:20:38 – Closing words

In this explosive episode of the Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with one of British boxing’s rawest, realest voices — George “Hit Hard” Hillyard.

A former England boxing team standout, seasoned professional boxer, and now a feared force in BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing), George takes us on a no-filter, behind-the-scenes journey through the brutal realities of the fight game. From representing England in 2004 to navigating the cutthroat world of professional boxing,

George opens up about career-changing decisions, boxing politics, financial traps fighters fall into, and the mental battles he faced on and off the canvas. He breaks down the truth behind being a “product” in boxing, shares hilarious and emotional memories with legends like Kevin Mitchell, and reveals the highs, lows, scandals, and sacrifices that shaped his career.

George also talks about life in Bare Knuckle Boxing, upcoming fights, his incredible comeback mindset, and the exclusive documentary currently in production that exposes everything the boxing world never shows you. If you love UK boxing, combat sports, real fighter stories, or motivational interviews from athletes who’ve lived the struggle, this is a MUST-WATCH. ⏱️

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:16 – Meet George “Hit Hard” Hillyard

00:47 – England Team Beginnings & Early Career

02:32 – Transition to Professional Boxing

04:14 – Controversies, Politics & Dark Sides of Boxing

19:43 – George’s BKB (Bare Knuckle Boxing) Journey

33:32 – Training, Mindset & Discipline

35:19 – Influencers in Boxing & Future Plans

38:40 – How Boxing Discipline Led to Music

39:10 – The Harsh Business Reality of Boxing

39:49 – Why Boxers Must Be a Product

40:27 – Love-Hate Relationship With the Sport

41:00 – Memories of Kevin Mitchell

42:32 – Celebrity Moments & Football Memories

44:55 – The Super Middleweights Era

57:20 – Behind the Scenes of His New Documentary

58:59 – Social Media’s Impact on Modern Boxers

01:00:55 – Lessons, Regrets & Career Reflections

01:03:13 – Random Questions & Mad Stories

01:10:35 – What’s Next for George Hillyard

🍰 The Champ and Contender Podcast: Liam Charles on Baking Fame, British Bake Off & More! 🎂 In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with special guest Liam Charles, best known for his time on The Great British Bake Off and as a presenter on Bake Off: The Professionals. 👨‍🍳 From a 16-year-old with a sweet tooth to becoming one of the UK’s most loved bakers, authors, and TV personalities, Liam shares his inspiring story filled with creativity, humour, and honesty. 💬 Expect plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes Bake Off stories, and real talk about balancing artistic passion with technical precision, the therapeutic side of baking, and his journey in the spotlight. Plus, don’t miss our fun “Shot Stopper” game where Liam reveals his favourite bakes and guilty pleasures! 🎧 Whether you’re a baking enthusiast, a Bake Off superfan, or simply love hearing genuine, inspiring conversations — this one’s for you!

⏱️ Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast

00:18 – Introducing Today’s Guest: Liam Charles

01:10 – Liam’s Journey into Baking

02:38 – School Days and Early Baking Ventures

06:59 – The Great British Bake Off Experience

10:32 – Life After Bake Off

22:15 – Hosting Bake Off: The Professionals

27:23 – Personal Reflections and Future Plans

37:25 – The Passion for Trainers and Baking

38:12 – Combining Passions: Trainers and Cakes

38:33 – Customizing Trainers and Monthly Baking Videos

39:09 – The Purpose Behind Baking

39:40 – Sharing Bakes and Social Media

40:26 – Shot Stopper Game: TV Shows and Bakes

47:21 – Favourite British Desserts

50:27 – Dealing with Allergies in Baking

53:38 – Staying Grounded and Favourite Hangouts

55:45 – Football Talk: United and Transfers

01:02:18 – Celebrity Interactions and Baking for Stars

01:04:36 – Final Quiz: Last Orders

01:09:26 – Advice for Aspiring Bakers

01:10:59 – Conclusion and Farewell

✨ Follow Us on Socials 📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast 📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones

🎙️ Interview with Dean Franklin — Winner of The Apprentice 2025 | Champ and Contender Podcast

In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with Dean Franklin, the winner of The Apprentice 2025 🏆 From grafting in air conditioning to standing in the boardroom with Lord Alan Sugar, Dean breaks down his full journey — the grind, the mindset, and the madness behind winning one of the UK’s toughest business shows 💼🔥 He opens up about: 💨 Starting DL Air Conditioning from scratch during lockdown 💡 Lessons learned from The Apprentice boardroom 🤝 Working with Alan Sugar 🧠 Entrepreneur tips for anyone chasing success 🤣 Plus — the fan-favourite Shot Stopper game returns with a business twist: Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk, Walt Disney vs Bill Gates, and more! Real talk, pure banter, and serious insight into what it actually takes to win The Apprentice and build your own business empire 👊

⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast

00:27 – Introducing Dean Franklin: The Apprentice Winner

01:11 – Dean’s Journey into Air Conditioning

02:18 – Starting a Business During Lockdown

03:42 – The Apprentice Experience

05:33 – Challenges and Triumphs on The Apprentice

06:40 – Life After The Apprentice

16:14 – Dean’s Early Business Ventures

27:16 – The Essex Identity and Accents

32:03 – A Game of Shot Stopper

32:29 – Boxing and Entrepreneurs

32:54 – Steve Jobs vs Elon Musk

35:58 – Steve Jobs vs Jeff Bezos

36:25 – Alan Sugar vs Henry Ford

40:06 – Walt Disney vs Bill Gates

43:44 – Life After The Apprentice

57:46 – Final Thoughts and Advice

✨ Follow Us on Socials

📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones

🥊 The Champ and Contender Podcast: Journey to Pro Boxing Ft. Shona Whitwell | Women’s Boxing, Team GB, Mindset & Motivation In this powerful new episode of The Champ

and Contender Podcast, hosts Fabian Collymore (@fabsfitnessuk) and Joseph J. Jones (@josephjjonesmusic) welcome their first-ever female boxer guest — Shona Whitwell (@shonawhitwell).

From starting boxing at just five years old to representing Team GB and now making waves as a professional female boxer, Shona shares the highs, lows, and lessons from her inspiring journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:37 Introducing Shona Whitwell

01:04 Shona's Early Boxing Journey

02:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Amateur Boxing

03:38 Life on Team GB

05:53 Transition to Professional Boxing

18:19 Training and Coaching Dynamics

21:22 Navigating the Professional Boxing Scene

41:19 Role Models in Boxing

42:21 Staying True to Yourself

42:53 The Power of Social Media

43:46 Game Time: Shots Stopper

44:33 Female Boxers Face-Off

51:00 Meeting Katie Taylor

54:13 Professional Debut Experience

59:56 Mindset Coaching and Techniques

01:03:17 Promoting Women's Boxing

01:07:03 Fun and Personal Questions

01:08:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell

👉 Watch, subscribe & join the movement:

🎧 @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @thechampandcontenderpodcast @fabsfitnessuk @josephjjonesmusic @shonawhitwell

In this episode of The Champ and Contender Podcast 🎙️, hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore sit down with former UFC fighter and current Misfits boxer Darren Stewart 🦁. Darren takes us through his 21-year fighting journey — starting with TaeKwonDo 🥋, moving into MMA 💥, and now focusing on boxing 🥊. He opens up about the physical and mental challenges, injuries, and his biggest fights — including his recent Misfits Boxing bout with Darren Till 🇬🇧. He also gets real about the behind-the-scenes struggles fighters face: management issues, financial pressure, sponsorship problems, and why having the right support team is everything 🙌. This is a raw and honest insight into the life of a true fighter 🔥.

👉 Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to The Champ and Contender Podcast

00:36 Introducing Darren Stewart: From MMA to Boxing

01:29 Darren’s Transition to Boxing

02:52 Challenges and Reflections on Fighting

11:02 The MMA vs. Boxing Debate

19:13 Darren’s UFC Journey

27:13 A Shocking Phone Call

28:13 The Tragic Incident

28:40 Fighting Through Grief

28:45 UFC Career Challenges

29:40 Financial Struggles

32:31 Seeking Help and Support

33:03 Sponsorship and Debt Issues

34:28 Reflecting on Career Choices

40:46 Mental and Physical Strain

51:13 Future Plans and Aspirations

52:07 Managerial Insights and Fighter’s Journey

52:38 Dana White and UFC Management 5

4:26 Drinking Game: Shots Stopper 🍻

54:56 Catching Up on Life and Career Reflections

55:27 Fighter Comparisons and Stories

01:04:00 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Fighters 👊

📌 Follow the podcast:

🎥 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: @ChampContender

📌 Follow the hosts: @JosephJJones @FabsFitnessUK

📌 Follow Darren Stewart: IG: @DarrenStewartMMA

Twitter/X: @Darren_MMA

#DarrenStewart #DarrenTill #MisfitsBoxing #UFC #MMA #Boxing #FightTalk #TheChampAndContenderPodcast #CombatSports

Join hosts Joseph J. Jones and Fabian Collymore on the Champ and Contender Podcast as they sit down with Aidan Syers, former Great Britain and England International Sprint Star. From his early days on the track to a 23-year career in athletics, Aidan opens up on the highs, the rivalries, and the lessons that shaped him. Now a respected strength & conditioning coach, sports scientist, and performance coach, Aidan shares how he helps athletes avoid the pitfalls he faced, the importance of mindset and recovery, and how his sprinting background translates into boxing and other sports. Expect training secrets, athlete insights, and real stories — plus a lively chat on legendary boxers and the always-entertaining game of Shot Stopper. This episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and inspiration for athletes and fans alike. 📌

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the Champion Contender Podcast

00:56 – Meet Aidan Syers: From Sprinting to Coaching

02:58 – Rivalries and Career Highlights

05:38 – Training and Coaching Philosophy

07:20 – Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation

10:41 – The Mental and Physical Demands of Sports

13:31 – Boxing and Athletics: A Shared Journey

15:34 – Training Regular Joes vs. Athletes

22:41 – The Importance of Recovery and Mindset

39:47 – The Importance of Training Intensity

40:24 – Balancing Intensity and Volume in Training

41:21 – Training Boxers: Movement and Mechanics

42:40 – Building a Boxer’s Conditioning

46:32 – Training Principles Across Sports

51:23 – The Role of Speed and Agility in Sports

53:43 – The Game of Shot Stopper

01:06:44 – Random Questions and Fun

01:10:19 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Athletes

From Amateur Dreams to World Title Aspirations | Craig “Spider” Richards Interview 🕷️🥊 Step inside the ring with Craig “Spider” Richards as he joins hosts Joseph J. Jones 🎤 and Fabian Collymore 🏃‍♂️ on The Champion and Contender Podcast. Craig keeps it real 💯 — from his amateur beginnings 🥇 to chasing that world title 🌍🏆. He talks about career highs & lows 📈📉, fight preparations 🔥, navigating the boxing industry 💼, training insights 💪, and the emotional side of fighting friends 🤝🥊. If you’re a boxing fan 🥊, fighter in training 🏋️‍♂️, or love hearing the mindset of champions 💎, this episode is for you! ✨

Follow us on Socials

📺 YouTube: @TheChampAndContenderPodcast

📸 Instagram: @fabsfitnessuk | @josephjjones 🎵

TikTok: @champandcontenderpodcast

🐦 Twitter/X: @champcontender

Episode Breakdown ⏱️

00:00 🎧 Welcome to the Champ and Contender Podcast

00:29 🕷️ Meet Craig “Spider” Richards

01:01 🥊 Early Boxing Journey & Career Highlights

02:11 ⚔️ Facing Challenges and Rivals

07:58 ⚖️ Weight Classes & Training Demands

10:05 🚀 The Turning Point: Going Pro

26:08 💼 Navigating the Business of Boxing

29:55 🔑 The Locksmith Incident & Game Time

32:45 🥊 Choosing Between Boxers

35:11 😢 Fighting Friends: The Emotional Dilemma

38:44 🥋 Training & Sparring Insights

45:51 🧠 The Best Coaches & Their Influence

53:43 🎭 Boxing Politics & Career Longevity

57:17 😂 Random Fun Questions

01:02:45 👋 Final Thoughts & Farewell

👉 Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 💬, and subscribe 🔔 for more exclusive boxing interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and the biggest names in the fight game!

#Boxing 🥊 #CraigRichards #SpiderRichards #ChampionAndContenderPodcast #BritishBoxing #BoxingPodcast #BoxingLife #ProBoxer #FightNight #BoxingTraining #BoxingCommunity #BoxingTalk #BoxingFans #BoxingNews #BehindTheGloves #MatchroomBoxing #DAZNBoxing #BoxingMotivation